They started 8-3-3 in 95/96. Of course, that was pre-shootout and pre-guaranteed OT point. But that's interesting and it definitely puts the start in proper perspective. Subjectively, it looks like the Pens are off to a slow start, and in a lot of ways they are, but in the only way it really matters they're doing better than usual. If they follow their recent trend of getting better and better as the season goes on, they're going to finish near the top, if not at the top of the league.

Such a great start with Crosby not 100% and no Whitney until January or Gonchar until March. Imagine Those 3 were healthy? You can see a big difference when Whitney & Gonchar aren't there on some nights but when they finally return the Pens will be more than ready for the Playoffs.

Thats a good stat to look at and not just standings. It just doesnt seem as if we are doing as well as last year. We are on pace for 105 points at this point, which is more than last year. Usually the elite teams start to show themselves in about 6 weeks and distance themselves from the rest of the pack. Even though the Rags have 5 more points than us, theyve played 3 more games. Lets hope we can keep up the pace all year and put a couple more pucks in the net.

It wouldn't surprise me if the Pens won the Atlantic by at least ten points, provided there's no more serious injuries. The Rangers are .500 since their 5-0 start and look the like same team from previous seasons (little scoring, Lundvist); the Devils will be without Brodeur until January or February and have zero offense; the Flyers have no defense and the Islanders are rebuilding.

honestly, this team as currently constructed, can be absolutely as good as the team that went to the finals last year. there's been points during this season where they have looked absolutely amazing (third period vs the isles, 2nd period vs the flyers until the last minute). if they can start putting that together on a regular basis, with the goaltending they are getting and their top 2 dmen coming back... watch out

Wow, I knew they have historically been a slow starter, but I KNOW they aren't playing anywhere near their potential. And that's even with Gonch and Whitney out. I'll tell you what, this team has a survivability unlike any I've seen. They're never out of a game and it's impressive how often they can win when they're not at their best.

While 95/96 has that 4OT game vs the Caps as a highlight, it has blowing the 3-2 series lead over Florida - it took a while to Forgive Straka after that when he came back...

The red flag so far this season have been the blown leads - some costing points (Caps, NYR), others not (EDM) and a few perceptively weak periods. I don't recall the Fall of 1995 as well as I do the playoff run that year. Pens are 2-1 in Shootouts, and 2-1 in OT games. So in the old form, instead of 8-4-1-1, they wold be 6-5-3. Not as impressive compared to the 8-3-3 now. Even with that, it sure beats being 3-8-3 right now!